PIM98-New Perspectives on War

Module Provider: Graduate Institute for Politics and International Studies
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Dr Andreas Behnke
Email: a.behnke@reading.ac.uk

Module Co-convenor: Dr Kerry Goettlich
Email: k.goettlich@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The goal of this module is to critically engage with current discussions and debates about war and warfare. On the one hand recent developments in the conduct of war seem to suggest a return to historical patterns of violent territorial conquest. But on the other hand, these developments seem to emerge in ways never seen before, from new uses of digital media further separating the spectacle of war from actual experience, to the increasing involvement of women in warfare. Does war have an inner ‘nature’ or must we reject the search for fixed definitions? 

Aims:

Students will learn to apply and critique a range of new perspectives on war and warfare. The module will both rethink military classics such as Clausewitz in light of twentieth and twenty-first century thought, and also explore new critical perspectives on war.

Assessable learning outcomes:

Students will develop:

• an understanding of the latest developments in war and warfare;


• an appreciation for the effects of war on both ‘ordinary’ and ‘exceptional’ politics;


• an ability to analyse complex concepts and theories in the study of war.

Additional outcomes:

The module promotes independent study, critical and analytical skills, and the ability to communicate orally in a group context.

Outline content:

Topics likely to be covered include:

• The ontology of war (or, the question of what war is)


• Contemporary re-evaluations of Clausewitz


• Gender and war


• ‘East’ and ‘West’ in warfare


• The ‘Liberal’ way of war


• Media and war

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module will consist of 10 two-hour sessions, including a business meeting and a film presentation. In line with our engagement with The Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, we may investigate the possibility of guest lecturers from that institution. Assessment will be through coursework only.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars		20
Guided independent study:
Wider reading (independent)		30
Wider reading (directed)		30
Peer assisted learning		10
Advance preparation for classes		10
Preparation for seminars		10
Carry-out research project		30
Essay preparation		30
Reflection		30
Total hours by term	0	200	0
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written assignment including essay	100

Summative assessment- Examinations:

There is no examination for this module.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Two summative essays of 3,000 words each, including footnotes and references but excluding the bibliography, each of which will contribute towards 50% of the overall mark.

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy 'Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes', which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

50%

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment is in the same form as the original assessment. Re-sit examinations take place in August/September of the same year, or in April/May of the following year.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 

2) Specialist equipment or materials: 

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 

4) Printing and binding: 

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence: 

Last updated: 31 March 2023